Joshua will be having surgery tomorrow. (m)

[momto3g3b]

He has lipomyelomeningocele. The defect is at L5 (lumbar spine, 5th vertebra) and extends up to L3. His surgery will take about 6 hours. There's an almost-100 percent chance he'll have bowel & bladder issues, and he may have difficulty with walking and reduced sensation in his legs, but we're (obviously) hopeful that he'll have a good outcome and that he won't be too compromised when he gets bigger.

He's getting expressed breastmilk via a bottle up at the hospital, but I'm hoping he'll take to nursing once he gets home (next week, assuming all goes well with his surgery). The NICU nurses have been wonderful with my little guy and they tell me little stories of how he's doing every time I call. That doesn't make it easier to be separated from him, but it's nice to hear that my baby is a sweetie. I can't wait until I get to hold him and cuddle him and learn about him for myself.

[Metasequoia]

I hope everything goes well Kate, I've been thinking about you & Joshua the past couple of days, you'll both be in my thoughts.:Hug

[Kaitnbugsmom]

prayers and hugs for you and your family

[jessiemom]

Good Luck with the surgery!!:Hug I hope that you get to be together soon and I am sure that with some help he'll be able to nurse just fine. You'll be in our thoughts.
Jessie:love

[Ellarae]

You'll be in my prayers and thoughts.:hug

[BookGoddess]

Here's hoping the outcome of the surgery is the best that it can be. :hug

[CharlotteSometimes]

:hug You are all in our thoughts....

[Kam]

Thank you for keeping us updated on Joshua's situation. I've been thinking about him and hoping things go well with his surgery. Hang in there, Kate. It must be so hard to wait for that snuggle, but it will be so worth it.

warmly,
Kam

[Mariposa]

You guys will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hope that Joshua will be home really soon. :hugs

[Tine]

Still praying for you. I'm sure the hardest part is not being able to be with Joshua. Here's hoping the next week passes quickly and smoothly!

[honeybee]

:hug Everything will go smoothly, with optimal results, and your baby will be back home in your arms soon! (I believe in the power of positive affirmations.)

[RedOakMomma]

I hope the results of today's surgery are everything you've been hoping for. And NEXT WEEK!....what a day to look forward to! Your sweet boy is going to melt with happiness at being in your arms again. :love

Thinking of you and yours,
Elisabeth

[Kindermama]

He's getting expressed breastmilk via a bottle up at the hospital,

way to go Mama!!! I'm glad to see he's getting his milkies..

I'm sorry there will be health issues you have to deal with even after the surgery. I'm realizing now the surgery already happened.....how did it go? How is he recovering??

[ellie_may12]

You and your family are in my prayers!